Climate  change  is  the  greatest  environmental  challenge  of  this  generation,   with  potentially  profound  effects  on  the  economy,  public  health,  water   resources,  infrastructure,  coastal  resources,  energy  demand,  natural   features,  and  recreation.  The  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts  is  committed   to  doing  its  part  to  mitigate  and  adapt  to  this  challenge,  recognizing  the   necessity  of  engaging  in  adaptation  planning  today  by  taking  a  close  look  at   strategies  that  could  help  the  state  become  more  resilient  and  ready  to   adapt  to  climate  change  as  it  occurs. 

The  Global  Warming  Solutions  Act,  passed  by  the  Massachusetts  Legislature   and  signed  by  Governor  Deval  Patrick  in  2008,  directed  the  Secretary  of   Energy  and  Environmental  Affairs  (EEA)  to  convene  an  advisory  committee   to  develop  a  report,  analyzing  strategies  for  adapting  to  the  predicted   changes  in  climate.  This  report  by  the  Massachusetts  Climate  Change   Adaptation  Advisory  Committee  is  organized  into  two  parts.  Part  I  includes an overview of the observed and predicted changes to Massachusetts' climate  and  their  anticipated  impacts,  key  findings,  a  set  of  guiding  principles   to  follow,  and  key  adaptation  strategies  that  cut  across  multiple  sectors.  Part   II  is  organized  into  five  broad  areas,  describing  for  each  area  the   vulnerabilities  to  climate  change  and  outlining  adaptation  strategies  that   could  help  increase  resilience  and  preparedness.